Tag: martial arts center for health

The Power of Being Watched: The Hawthorne Effect in the Workplace, Fitness, and Family Life

The Hawthorne Effect in Modern Contexts: Workplace, Gym, and Family Dynamics

The Hawthorne Effect refers to the tendency for individuals to alter their behavior when they are aware they are being observed. This aspect of human behavior was discovered during the Hawthorne Studies conducted at the Western Electric Company in Chicago, Illinois during the 1920s. This effect highlights how observation can influence performance and attitudes (McCambridge et al., 2014). In today’s interconnected and highly surveillance society, this phenomenon has notable implications for various environments, ranging not only in the workplace, but at the gym, in social settings, and even within family settings in public.

I can relate this back to my personal experiences while training in martial arts as a young adult. My teachers would often drive the point home that it was important and recognized when students worked hard and diligently while at the school in the group training environment. However, it was even more important how we trained on our own individually when no one else was around us or watching our work ethic in the solo setting. Similarly, the famous psychologist Carl Jung proposed the concept of each of us having our “shadow” or the hidden aspects of our behavior that we don’t usually show in public. When we know we are being observed the shadow part of one’s character hides and in place, various “personas” step up to match the situation and relative environment. In some settings, this may be perceived by others as “putting on an act,” or being a hypocrite.

Workplace Applications of the Hawthorne Effect

The Hawthorne Effect remains highly relevant to today’s workplace environment, especially as business organizations emphasize performance management and workplace culture. When employees are aware that their supervisors or peers are watching, they are more likely to engage in positive behaviors, such as increasing productivity and adhering to company protocols and policies. Studies have shown that the awareness of being observed can nurture a temporary boost in motivation and morale (Sedgwick & Greenwood, 2015). However, too heavily relying on this effect for performance enhancement may lead to superficial compliance rather than sustained engagement, consequently masking underlying workplace issues that affect productivity (McCambridge et al., 2014).

The Hawthorne Effect at the Gym

The Hawthorne Effect is also prevalent in fitness settings. Individuals at the gym, yoga studio or other fitness venues often push themselves harder or adopt better form when they believe others are observing them. This phenomenon is especially evident in both group exercise classes and during personal training sessions. The effect of observation may enhance short-term effort, but it can also create unrealistic standards of performance and an environment of comparison. Research suggests that social comparison in gym settings can both motivate and hinder progress, depending on the individual’s self-perception and fitness goals (Diel et al., 2021).

Family Dynamics in Public Spaces

The Hawthorne Effect extends to family dynamics in public as well, where the presence of other people can influence how family members interact with each other. Parents may become more patient or attentive to their children, and couples may show more affection. This effect speaks to the human tendency to present an idealized version of oneself in front of others, often reflecting societal expectations (Sedgwick & Greenwood, 2015). Although the intent may be positive, consistently modifying behavior based on external perceptions can hinder authentic interactions and create strain within relationships, as it sets up expectations that may not align with everyday family dynamics.

Conclusion

This phenomenon of human behavior demonstrates how the awareness of observation can influence temporary changes in behavior across various settings. While it can serve as a motivator in the workplace and gym, or encourage positive family or social network interactions in public, over-reliance on this effect may lead to superficial or unsustainable behavior changes. Realizing the implications of the Hawthorne Effect can encourage more genuine engagement and support environments that encourage authenticity over performative behaviors.

References

Diel, K., Broeker, L., Raab, M., & Hofmann, W. (2021). Motivational and emotional effects of social comparison in sports. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 57, 102048. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2021.102048

McCambridge, J., Witton, J., & Elbourne, D. R. (2013). Systematic review of the Hawthorne effect: New concepts are needed to study research participation effects. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 67(3), 267–277. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2013.08.015

Sedgwick, P., & Greenwood, N. (2015). Understanding the Hawthorne Effect. BMJ, 351, h4672. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h4672

I teach and offer lectures about holistic health, physical fitness, stress management, human behavior, meditation, phytotherapy (herbs), music for healing, self-massage (acupressure), Daoyin (yoga), qigong, tai chi, and baguazhang.

Please contact me if you, your business, organization, or group might be interested in hosting me to speak on a wide range of topics related to better health, fitness, and well-being.

I look forward to further sharing my message by partnering with hospitals, wellness centers, VA centers, schools on all levels, businesses, and individuals who see the value in building a stronger nation through a healthier population.

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Many of my publications can be found on Amazon at:

http://www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

My holistic health blog is available at:

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com/

http://www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

Is Joseph Cambell’s “Hero’s Journey” Relative Today?

The Hero’s Journey outline can apply to the average person’s life by representing the various stages of growth and transformation that almost everyone experiences. In our own personal journeys, we may all experience different circumstances or perceptions. There is only one truth, but infinite perceptions for any particular event. In real life, this journey could look like facing major life changes, pursuing personal goals, or overcoming significant mental, physical, and even spiritual challenges.

Here’s how it might play out in the life of an everyday person:

The steps of the “Hero’s Journey” include:

1- THE ORDINARY WORLD: The hero is often unaware, uneasy, or facing internal conflict, is introduced in a relatable way, allowing the audience to connect with their personal situation or struggle. The hero’s background of environment, family, and personal history, is established, revealing a feeling of opposing forces that pull the hero in different directions, creating mental and physical tension. (REAL WORLD APPLICATION: We might feel dissatisfied or unsure about something but aren’t yet driven to make a change)

2 – THE CALL TO ADVENTURE: A change is introduced to the not-yet hero, either through external forces or an internal realization, which compels the hero to confront an initial shift in their life. Something happens that urges us to change—a new job offer, a health issue, a relationship shift, or simply a sense of restlessness pushing us to grow. (REAL WORLD APPLICATION: Something happens that urges us to change such as a new job offer, a health issue, a relationship shift, or simply a sense of restlessness pushing us to grow.)

3 – REFUSAL OF THE CALL: The hero initially resists the journey, feeling uncertainty, fear of the unknown or a desire to turn away. In some cases, another 3rd party character may voice these fears and the risks involved. (REAL WORLD APPLICATION: Most often, our first reaction is resistance. We might feel afraid, overwhelmed, or doubt if we’re capable of taking on the new challenge.)

4 – MEETING WITH THE MENTOR: The hero encounters an experienced guide who provides knowledge, wisdom, training, resources, or crucial advice for the journey ahead. The hero is forced or accepts to look inward to find courage and inner wisdom. (REAL WORLD APPLICATION: In real life, mentors come in many forms like family members, friends, a teacher, a therapist, or even an inspiring book or experience that gives us insight or guidance.)


5 – CROSSING THE THRESHOLD: At the end of the first act, the hero commits to leaving behind the “ordinary world” and stepping into a new realm, filled with unknown rules and values. (REAL WORLD APPLICATION: This is the moment we commit to the journey, stepping out of our comfort zone. It could be moving to somewhere else, leaving a job, or simply deciding to make a big life change.)


6 – TESTS, ALLIES, AND ENEMIES: The hero faces various challenges, cultivates alliances, and identifies challenges and adversaries in the new world. (REAL WORLD APPLICATION: On our journey forward, we may encounter challenges and discover who supports or hinders us. We might face setbacks, doubts or obstacles while finding allies who encourage us.)


7 – APPROACH: With newly forged alliances, the hero prepares for a major trial or challenge within this unfamiliar world. (REAL WORLD APPLICATION: As we get closer to our goal, we prepare for a major challenge. This could mean making a big presentation, taking a final exam, or confronting an important fear.)


8 – THE ORDEAL: Near the story’s midpoint, the hero reaches a pivotal moment in the “unknown world,” confronting injury, death or their deepest fear. This moment of confrontation brings about a form of transformation, rebirth or renewal. (REAL WORLD APPLICATION: This is the peak moment where we face a major hurdle, fear or obstacle, like overcoming a health crisis, finally letting go of a limiting belief, or facing a major confrontation. It feels like a personal “death and rebirth,” as we emerge stronger and changed.)


9 – THE REWARD: The hero claims the reward or treasure that results from facing their challenges. There may be a celebration, though there is often still a risk of losing the reward. (REAL WORLD APPLICATION: Having faced our ordeal, we gain something valuable like greater confidence, resilience, insight, or a concrete achievement that represents our growth.)


10 – THE ROAD BACK: Around two-thirds into the story, the hero is driven to finish the adventure, returning from the unknown world to ensure the reward makes it home. Sometimes a chase scene highlights the mission’s urgency and very possibly danger. (REAL WORLD APPLICATION: With new insight or skills, we may be driven to bring our growth back to our everyday lives, sometimes facing new challenges as we try to integrate our journey’s rewards.)


11 – THE RESURRECTION: At the story’s climax, the hero undergoes a final, intense test as they approach home. They are transformed by a last act of defying death, embracing rebirth, or a sacrifice of some major merit, reaching a higher state of completion. Through the hero’s actions, the initial conflicts find resolution. (REAL WORLD APPLICATION: Before fully returning to our “normal” life, we’re often tested again, reinforcing our inner transformation. This could mean facing a problem like the one we just faced before but responding differently due to our growth.)

12 – RETURN WITH THE ELIXIR: The hero returns or continues the journey, now possessing a reward, treasure (or elixir) with transformative power, both for the hero and for the world they return to. (REAL WORLD APPLICATION: Finally, we bring valuable aspects to our daily life, whether it’s wisdom, resilience, or a new perspective. Our journey may not only transform us, but often positively impacts those around us.)

In our real life, these stages might be less dramatic and more cohesive, and maybe even more blended together. The Hero’s Journey reminds us that life is a series of growth cycles, and each challenge we face can lead to transformation, making us more resilient, self-aware, and capable.


Is Not Consuming Poisons in Our Food a Luxury?

The Perception of Healthy Eating as a Privilege in the U.S. Healthcare Landscape

Today in the US, access to nutritious food is often perceived as a privilege rather than a basic necessity. There is a combination of systemic issues in the food and healthcare industries, social inequality, and perhaps a narrow public understanding of just what good health consists of. These issues have contributed to driving up the cost of nutritious food, creating significant obstacles to maintaining a healthy balanced diet. Ironically, as US healthcare costs continue to rise dramatically, the consumption of unhealthy foods contributes to chronic health conditions creating a vicious circle of events that push individuals further into the healthcare system and consequently perpetuating the cycle of preventable diseases. These are factors that in the US, have shaped the perception that eating healthfully is a luxury and how this perception stems from economic, cultural, and educational factors that influence food choices, physical health, and overall well-being.

Economic Constraints: Why Healthy Food Costs More

A simple reason for the perception of healthy eating as a luxury is the cost disparity between purchasing of nutritious and non-nutritious foods. Organic, fresh, and minimally processed foods are typically more expensive due to significant factors such as agricultural practices, supply chain logistics, and governmental subsidies (Ver Ploeg et al., 2015). Organic farming methods are more labor-intensive and produce lower crop yields compared to of conventional farming, which relies more heavily on use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers (Hughner et al., 2007). This added labor cost, along with a limited supply, increases the cost of organic food, making it less accessible to individuals with lower incomes (Ver Ploeg et al., 2015). Conversely, crops like soy, corn, and wheat, which are often genetically modified and treated with chemicals, are heavily subsidized by the U.S. government, making processed foods derived from these crops less expensive for consumers. This economic landscape perpetuates a cycle where affordable, nutritionally poor food is more accessible, while healthier options remain financially out of reach.

Processed Foods: The Price of Convenience

Aside from cost, processed foods that are loaded with sweeteners, artificial preservatives, and flavor enhancers are designed for maximum taste appeal, convenience, and shelf stability. These foods are quite often high in sugars, salt, and unhealthy fats, all of which contribute to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (Monteiro et al., 2018). Low-income neighborhoods, where grocery stores lack fresh produce, frequently rely on this calorie-dense but nutritionally lacking products. The convenience and affordability of these foods cloud the fact that they are contributors to poor health when consumed long-term. The perception that eating healthy is a privilege, reflects not only the cost of food but also the accessibility and desire for unhealthful options that fit into the American fast-paced, budget-conscious lifestyles (Ver Ploeg et al., 2015).

Education and Health Literacy: The Hidden Barrier

A major factor adding to this issue is a lack of health education and literacy among the general population. Understanding the impact of nutrition on long-term health is not prioritized in many US schools, and misinformation about what constitutes “healthy” is extensive (Nestle, 2013). Marketing campaigns often mislead consumers into thinking that “sugar-free” or “low-fat” foods are healthy. In reality, these foods often contain harmful additives like high-fructose corn syrup or aspartame, which both have been linked to various health risks (Swithers, 2015). Also, public knowledge of the role of whole foods, hydration, and balanced macronutrient intake is often dismal, leading some to make choices that encourage immediate taste satisfaction over long-term health benefits (Nestle, 2013). As a result, the cultural perception of healthful food as a luxury is partly fueled by a lack of nutritional knowledge, leading individuals to turn to less expensive, popular foods over healthier, less well-understood options.

The Institutional Influence: Schools and Healthcare

Schools and the healthcare system also shape public perception and access to healthy food. School meal programs, specifically those in lower-income areas, often offer highly processed foods due to budget constraints and limited resources for fresh ingredients (Gaines et al., 2014). This reinforces the idea that nutrient-dense foods are exceptional rather than essential. Just as the U.S. healthcare system prioritizes treatment over prevention, schools rarely encourage dietary education as part of comprehensive healthcare (Schroeder, 2007). While medical professionals widely recognize the link between diet and chronic disease, the system rarely encourages preventive approaches, including education relative to nutrition and lifestyle changes (Schroeder, 2007). This gap leaves many young Americans, especially those without access to nutritional education, without a clear understanding of how a healthy diet influences long-term health.

Bottled Water vs. Sugary Beverages: A Reflection of Misplaced Priorities

The fact that bottled water costs more than soda and soft drinks reflects the prioritization of profit over public health. Soda and other sugary beverages are relatively cheap due to subsidies for their ingredients and widespread production. Bottled water prices remain high due to packaging and branding processes. This pricing paradox encourages consumers, particularly those with limited resources to choose soda over water. The strategic marketing of sugary drinks as less-expensive alternatives further contributes to poor dietary habits and supports the idea that basic, healthy choices are a privilege for the exclusive or elitist.

Breaking the Cycle: A Call for Systemic Change

Recognizing and addressing the perception of having a healthy diet, being a privilege requires systemic changes across multiple sectors. Lawmakers must evaluate agricultural subsidies to level the playing field between nutrient-dense foods and heavily processed products (Miller et al., 2016). Schools should encourage nutritional education and pursue methods to improve food quality within budgetary limits, especially in low-income areas (Gaines et al., 2014). Additionally, healthcare providers should encourage preventive care practices that focus on dietary education, empowering patients to make more informed food choices. With these changes, healthy eating can become more accessible and implemented.

In conclusion, the view of healthy eating as a luxury reflects societal inequities within the American food and healthcare systems. By reducing economic and informational barriers to nutritious food, American society can cultivate a culture where healthy choices are more available to everyone, making better health and well-being, not a privilege but a shared right.

References

Gaines, A. B., Lonis-Shumate, S. R., & Gropper, S. S. (2011). Evaluation of Alabama public school wellness policies and state school mandates. Journal of School Health, 81(5), 281-287. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1746-1561.2011.00588.x

Hughner, R. S., McDonagh, P., Prothero, A., Shultz, C. J., & Stanton, J. (2007). Who are organic food consumers? A compilation and review of why people purchase organic food. Journal of Consumer Behaviour, 6(2-3), 94-110. https://doi.org/10.1002/cb.210

Monteiro, C. A., Cannon, G., Levy, R. B., Moubarac, J.-C., Jaime, P., Martins, A. P., … & Swinburn, B. (2018). Ultra-processed foods: What they are and how to identify them. Public Health Nutrition, 21(1), 6-8. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980018003762

NESTLE, M. (2013). Food Politics: How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition and Health (1st ed.). University of California Press. http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/j.ctt7zw29z

Schroeder, S. A. (2007). We can do better—improving the health of the American people. New England Journal of Medicine, 357(12), 1221-1228. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMsa073350

Swithers, S. E. (2015). Artificial sweeteners are not the answer to childhood obesity. Appetite, 93, 85-90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2015.03.027

Ver Ploeg, M., Mancino, L., Todd, J. E., Clay, D. M., & Scharadin, B. (2015). Where do Americans usually shop for food and how do they travel to get there? Initial findings from the National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.

I teach and offer lectures about holistic health, physical fitness, stress management, human behavior, meditation, phytotherapy (herbs), music for healing, self-massage (acupressure), Daoyin (yoga), qigong, tai chi, and baguazhang.

Please contact me if you, your business, organization, or group might be interested in hosting me to speak on a wide range of topics related to better health, fitness, and well-being.

I look forward to further sharing my message by partnering with hospitals, wellness centers, VA centers, schools on all levels, businesses, and individuals who see the value in building a stronger nation through a healthier population.

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Many of my publications can be found on Amazon at:

http://www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

My holistic health blog is available at:

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com/

http://www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

Health and Wellness Issues Have Worsened in Recent Decades

People in the US are experiencing many mental and physical diseases, ailments, and chronic conditions that were not nearly as prominent in years past. Many diseases and issues previously experienced by adults, are now seen in children. Some experts believe there is a definite link between our food, lack of physical activity, chemicals, other lifestyle choices, and the state of poor health in the US.

https://www.ncoa.org/article/the-top-10-most-common-chronic-conditions-in-older-adults/

Mental Health Conditions

General Prevalence:

  • Approximately 60 million adults (23.08%) in the U.S. experienced a mental illness in the past year, and nearly 13 million adults (5.04%) reported serious thoughts of suicide ​NAMI​Mental Health America.
  • Among youth aged 12-17, one in five experienced at least one major depressive episode, with over 56% not receiving any treatment ​Mental Health America.

Specific Disorders:

  • Anxiety Disorders: Affect 19.1% of U.S. adults ​NAMI.
  • Major Depressive Disorder: Approximately 8.3% of adults experience a major depressive episode ​NAMI.
  • Bipolar Disorder: Affects about 2.8% of the population ​NAMI.
  • Substance Use Disorders:
  • Over 45 million adults (17.82%) and 2.3 million youth (8.95%) are experiencing substance use disorders Mental Health America.

Barriers to Treatment:

  • The ratio of people to mental health providers is concerning, with around 340 individuals for every provider in many areas ​Mental Health America.

Physical Health Conditions

  1. Chronic Conditions:
    • Obesity: Over 42% of U.S. adults are classified as obese​ National Institute of Mental Health. This condition is linked to various other health issues, including diabetes and heart disease.
    • Cardiovascular Diseases: Conditions like hypertension and heart disease remain prevalent, contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates ​National Institute of Mental Health.
  2. Diabetes:
  3. Respiratory Conditions:
  4. Musculoskeletal Disorders:

In recent years, the prevalence of mental health issues among children and adolescents in the U.S. has become increasingly concerning. Here’s an overview of the current landscape based on recent statistics:

  1. Prevalence of Mental Health Conditions:
    • Approximately 1 in 5 children (19%) aged 3-17 years has a diagnosed mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder ​CDC​NAMI.
    • Mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, are particularly prominent, with anxiety disorders affecting 9.4% and major depressive episodes affecting 7.8% of this age group​Pediatrics​American Psychological Association.
    • Developmental Disorders: Conditions such as ADHD and autism spectrum disorder are becoming more commonly diagnosed. Approximately 9.4% of children aged 2-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD, while around 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism​ HHS.gov​ CDC.
  2. Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors:
    • In 2023, 29% of high school students reported experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and 14% reported seriously considering suicide​ CDC​Pediatrics.
    • Among LGBTQ+ youth, rates of suicidal ideation are alarmingly high, with 20% having attempted suicide ​CDC​American Psychological Association.
  3. Impact of Socioeconomic Factors:
    • Factors such as food insecurity, housing instability, and exposure to community violence contribute significantly to mental health challenges ​Pediatrics​American Psychological Association. Structural racism also plays a critical role, particularly affecting Indigenous and Black children, who face higher rates of mental health issues and trauma ​Pediatrics.
  4. Access to Treatment:
    • Despite the high prevalence of mental health conditions, many children lack access to necessary care. For instance, 50.6% of youth aged 6-17 with mental health disorders received treatment​NAMI. There are significant disparities based on socioeconomic status and race​ Pediatrics​American Psychological Association.
  5. Improvements and Challenges:
    • Some improvements have been noted recently, such as a decrease in persistent sadness among students overall, but increases in experiences of bullying and school safety concerns have been observed ​CDC. The ongoing challenges underscore the need for more comprehensive support systems in schools and communities ​Pediatrics​NAMI.

Physical Ailments

  1. Obesity: Childhood obesity is a significant concern, affecting approximately 19.7% of children aged 2 to 19 years as of 2020. This prevalence is higher among Hispanic (26.2%) and Black (24.8%) children compared to their White (16.6%) and Asian (9.0%) counterparts​ CDC. The annual medical costs related to obesity for U.S. children is estimated to be $1.3 billion CDC.
  2. Asthma: Approximately 7.5% of children in the U.S. have asthma, making it one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases. Asthma rates have been shown to vary with socioeconomic status, with children from lower-income families more likely to be affected​ CDC.
  3. Allergies: Allergic conditions, including food allergies and allergic rhinitis (hay fever), are prevalent among children. It’s estimated that 8% of children have food allergies, with increases seen in recent years​ CDC.
  4. Diabetes: The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes (both Type 1 and Type 2) among children is around 1.5%. There has been a notable increase in Type 2 diabetes, attributed to rising obesity rates​ CDC.
  5. Sleep Disorders: Conditions such as sleep apnea affect an estimated 2% to 5% of children, often linked to obesity and resulting in various physical and mental health issues​ CDC.
  6. Vision and Hearing Impairments: Around 5% of children have some form of visual impairment, while 1.4% experience hearing loss​ CDC.
  7. Injuries: Unintentional injuries remain a leading cause of morbidity among children, with thousands of emergency department visits annually related to accidents​ CDC.

Conclusion

The combined rise in mental health issues and chronic physical conditions points to a pressing health crisis in the U.S. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and social isolation, which further complicate access to care and treatment​

Mental Health America. It’s crucial for healthcare systems and policymakers to address these issues, focusing on improving access to mental health resources and integrating physical health strategies to support overall well-being.

I teach and offer lectures about holistic health, physical fitness, stress management, human behavior, meditation, phytotherapy (herbs), music for healing, self-massage (acupressure), Daoyin (yoga), qigong, tai chi, and baguazhang.

Please contact me if you, your business, organization, or group might be interested in hosting me to speak on a wide range of topics related to better health, fitness, and well-being.

I look forward to further sharing my message by partnering with hospitals, wellness centers, VA centers, schools on all levels, businesses, and individuals who see the value in building a stronger nation through a healthier population.

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Many of my publications can be found on Amazon at:

http://www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

My holistic health blog is available at:

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com/

http://www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal affection disorder (SAD) is defined as a subtype of depression, where an individual experiences chronic major depression that follows a seasonal pattern. SAD most often occurs during the winter months. The exact cause of SAD is unknown but is thought to probably manifest from hormone and neurotransmitter dysfunction affecting the nervous and psychic-emotional systems of the human body (Piotrowski, 2022).

Theories of What Causes SAD

Research points towards the winter form of SAD, involving the hormone melatonin, which is a substance secreted by the brain’s pineal gland. Melatonin affects mood and energy levels as well as helps to regulate sleep-wake cycles. Studies reflect too much, or prolonger secretion of melatonin may promote SAD (Ettinger, 2018).

Melatonin as well as serotonin systems are influenced by the earth’s daily dark-light cycle also known as photoperiodism. SAD can thereby be related to seasonal disturbances in the earth’s dark-light cycle and its relative effect on individuals (Ettinger, 2018).

Key Symptoms of SAD

  • Seasonal patterns of experiencing of a depressed mood that may include feelings of sadness, emptiness, or tearfulness
  • A lack of interest or pleasure in most activities for most of the day
  • Significant loss or gain of bodyweight
  • Insomnia (inability to sleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleep)
  • Psychomotor agitation or psychomotor retardation
  • Loss of energy (fatigue)
  • Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
  • Diminished ability to think or concentrate
  • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide ideation (Piotrowski, 2022)

Who Suffers From SAD?

  • Research shows that people living in northern climates are more likely to be affected by SAD than people living at other latitudes.
  • Most persons who will experience this problem will be in their twenties and thirties.
  • Individuals typically experience depression as the amount of daylight decreases with the advancing of the winter season.
  • Women are two to four times more likely than men to develop SAD.
  • Rates for newly diagnosed with SAD tend to decrease during the fifties and decrease dramatically after age sixty-five (Piotrowski, 2022).
  • SAD affects 0.5 to 3 percent of individuals in the general population. It affects 10-20% of people with major depressive disorder and about 25% of those with bipolar disorder (Seasonal Affective Disorder: MedlinePlus Genetics, n.d.)

Treatment Options

Phototherapy or light therapy is the dominant treatment for those affected by this disorder. Exposure to light can be difficult for some people as each may have unique circumstances in relation to their environment, schedules and careers which may help to limit access to light (Piotrowski, 2022).

Phototherapy involves sitting in front of a specific type of therapeutic light source for anywhere from thirty to ninety minutes. This treatment is usually done in the morning each day. Serotoninergic antidepressant medication is sometimes used along with phototherapy (Piotrowski, 2022).

Cognitive behavioral therapy is another type of treatment where thought patterns are modified to manage SAD. There are also light visors having a light source built into the brim that can help those with this disorder (Piotrowski, 2022).

References:

Biard,G. (2008), CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10095047

Ettinger, R. H. (2018). Psychology: The Science of Behavior (6th ed.). BVT Publishing.

Francis, G. (2019), http://www.PacificProDigital.com, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=81371623

Piotrowski, N. A. . P. D., & Prerost, F. J. . P. D. (2022). Seasonal affective disorder. Magill’s Medical Guide (Online Edition).

Seasonal affective disorder: MedlinePlus Genetics. (n.d.). https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/seasonal-affective-disorder/

I teach and offer lectures about holistic health, physical fitness, stress management, human behavior, meditation, phytotherapy (herbs), music for healing, self-massage (acupressure), Daoyin (yoga), qigong, tai chi, and baguazhang.

Please contact me if you, your business, organization, or group, might be interested in hosting me to speak on a wide spectrum of topics relative to better health, fitness, and well-being.

I look forward to further sharing more of my message by partnering with hospitals, wellness centers, VA centers, schools on all levels, businesses, and individuals who see the value in building a stronger nation through building a healthier population.

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Many of my publications can be found on Amazon at:

http://www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

My holistic health blog is available at:

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com/

http://www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119